The American Rail Ordeal

This flow follows the party’s crossing of the United States as natural obstacles, violence, and rescue repeatedly threaten its progress.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Bison Blockade

The Bison Blockade A moving obstruction A huge herd of American bison occupies the track, forcing the train to wait for hours. The passengers cannot hurry the animals without risking a derailment. Patience costs time Fogg waits calmly while Passepartout grows furious. The episode shows that speed depends on forces no traveler can command.

The Medicine Bow Bridge

The Medicine Bow Bridge A dangerous proposal A weakened bridge blocks the train, and the engineer proposes crossing at extreme speed. Passepartout suggests walking over first, but the crowd dismisses the practical idea. The leap succeeds The train races across and survives, while the bridge collapses behind it. The passage saves the schedule through calculated risk rather than ordinary caution.

The Duel Interrupted

The Duel Interrupted An old insult returns Fogg encounters Colonel Stamp Proctor on the train and insists on answering the insult from San Francisco. The duel threatens to delay the journey and alarm Aouda. A new emergency The train cannot stop at Plum Creek, and the planned confrontation is postponed. Almost immediately, Sioux raiders attack the moving train, making the personal quarrel secondary to survival.

Passepartout’s Intervention

Passepartout’s Intervention A train in danger The attackers overwhelm parts of the train and seize control of the locomotive. Passengers fight back as the train races toward danger. The coupling released Passepartout crawls beneath the cars and uncouples the train from the runaway engine. The maneuver saves the passengers from the immediate threat, but he is captured in the ensuing chaos.

The Rescue and Sledge

The Rescue and Sledge Duty over schedule Fogg leaves the train to pursue the missing passengers, including Passepartout, and leads soldiers into the snow. He accepts that the delay may cost him the wager. A new route east After the rescue, the train has gone. Fix finds Mudge and a sail sledge that can carry the party toward Omaha, turning the loss of a train into an improvised passage.

5 December, west of the Great Salt Lake

7 December, before Fort Kearney

8 December, near Plum Creek

8 December, during the train attack

8–9 December, Fort Kearney